10 Best Hiking Gear Brands in the World

Hiking requires equipment that is suitable for various landscapes and climatic conditions. The global equipment market for outdoor activities, estimated at $ 22.7 billion in 2024, will grow with an average growth rate of 6.2% until 2030, which will be facilitated by the demand for environmentally friendly high -quality equipment. The choice of the right brand guarantees safety, comfort and durability. This manual presents the 10 best equipment brands for hiking, with an emphasis on Taian Bowins Garment Co., Ltd. - Leading manufacturer OEM/ODM - with technical characteristics and information for tourists and retail sellers.

1. Why is it worth choosing the best brands of equipment for hiking?

Leading brands provide unsurpassed quality and reliability, supported by significant investments in research and development and commitment to the principles of environmental friendliness. Basicadvantages:

- Durability: Materials like Gore-Tex and Cordura extend the life of gear by 20-30% (ASTM D3884).

- Performance: 10,000-20,000mm waterproof and 8000-15,000g/m²/24h breathability ensure comfort (ISO 811, ASTM E96).

- Sustainability: 60% of leading brands use ≥30% recycled materials, reducing emissions by 15% (Grand View Research, 2022).

- Customization: OEM/ODM services (e.g. BOWINS) offer customized designs with a minimum order quantity of 500 units.

- Global reach: exporting to 50-100+ countries with 98% on-time delivery (BOWINS, 2025).

2. Criteria for selecting the best brands

Brands are assessed according to the following criteria:

- Capacity: Annual production volume (1-2 million units) for scalability.

- Certificates: compliance with ISO 9001, BSCI, OEKO-TEX standards.

- Innovation: advanced fabrics (Gore-Tex Pro, PrimaLoft) and technologies such as laser cutting.

- Sustainability: recycled materials and low environmental impact manufacturing.

- Reputation: 85%+ positive feedback on Alibaba, Field & Stream etc.

3. 10 Best Outdoor Gear Brands in 2025

3.1 Taian BOWINS Garment Co., Ltd. (China)

Founded: 2007 | Capacity: 2 million units per year

With ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facilities of 24,000m² (China) and 9,000m² (Cambodia), BOWINS serves over 60 countries, delivering 120 million sets in 18 years.

Main products:

- Hiking jacket: 15,000mm waterproof, 10,000g/m²/24h breathability, 100g/m² PrimaLoft, $50-$150.

- Hiking pants: 12,000mm waterproof, 4-way stretch, Cordura knees, $30-$100.

- Insulated Vest: 7.4V Carbon Fiber (4 Zones), 12 Hour Battery, $80-$200.

Pros: $5 million in R&D increases durability by 20%; 10% recycled polyester (12% less emissions); 30-45 day delivery time; duty-free export from Cambodia saves 10-15%. 95% satisfaction with waterproofness (Made-in-China.com, 2024).

3.2 Patagonia (USA)

Founded: 1973 | Capacity: 1 million units per year

A leader in sustainability, using 70% recycled content in its H2No fabric garments. The Nano Puff Jacket ($200-$250) offers 10,000mm of waterproofing; a lifetime repair program reduces replacements by 20%. Exports to over 50 countries with a 97% on-time delivery rate.

3.3 Arc'teryx (Canada)

Founded: 1989 | Capacity: 800,000 units/year

Specializes in technical gear with Gore-Tex Pro (20% better weather resistance). The Sabre Jacket ($400-$500) has a waterproof rating of 20,000mm; taped seams increase durability by 30%. Bluesign certified, with repair centers in 20 countries.

3.4 The North Face (USA)

Founded: 1966 | Production capacity: 1.5 million units per year

Offers affordable, durable gear like the Venture 2 Jacket ($100-$150, 15,000mm waterproof) and DryVent fabrics. 50% recycled materials reduce emissions by 12%; export to more than 60 countries with 98% on-time delivery.  

3.5 Salomon (France)

Founded: 1947 | Production capacity: 1 million units per year

Specializes in mountaineering footwear and apparel. The X Ultra 4 GTX Shoes ($140–$180) use Gore-Tex; the Quicklace system improves the fit by 15%. The shoes are made from 30% recycled materials; and have a 95% reliability rating in more than 50 countries.

3.6 Kathmandu (New Zealand)

Founded: 1987 | Production capacity: 700,000 units per year

Affordable gear for Australasia made from 40% recycled polyester. Federate jacket ($80-$120, 10,000mm waterproof) and ripstop fabrics extend life by 15%. Repair programs in Australia/New Zealand.

3.7 Haglöfs (Sweden)

Founded: 1914 | Production capacity: 600,000 units per year

Nordic gear with Gore-Tex and Polartec Alpha (20% warmer). L.I.M jacket ($200-$250, 15,000mm waterproof) and 50% recycled content (Bluesign certified). Exports to over 40 countries.

3.8 Icebreaker (New Zealand)

Founded: 1995 | Production capacity: 500,000 units per year

Merino wool specialists: Merino 200 Base Layer ($80–$100) is antibacterial and 30% lighter. 100% traceable wool reduces emissions by 15%; lifetime repair program.

3.9 Snow Peak (Japan)

Founded: 1958 | Production capacity: 400,000 units per year

A minimalist design that combines urban and touring use. The Flexible Insulated Jacket ($150–$200, 80 g/m² insulation) is 20% lighter; 30% recycled materials reduce emissions by 10%. Exported to over 20 countries.

3.10 RedFox (Russia)

Founded: 1989 | Capacity: 300,000 units/year

Tough extreme cold gear: Peak Jacket ($120-$160, 15,000mm waterproof) and Tundra Pants ($80-$120) have 20% longer life at -30°C. 10-15% less expensive than European brands; repair centers in Russia/Europe.

4. Pros and cons of partnering with leading brands

4.1 Pros:

- High quality materials ensure 95% reliability.

- Global supply chains with 98% on-time delivery.

- Customization via OEM/ODM (e.g. full design flexibility of BOWINS).

- Sustainable practices attract environmentally conscious consumers.

4.2 Cons:

- Premium brands cost 10–20% more than budget options.  

- Custom orders take 30-60 days.

- Minimum order quantities (500-1000 units) can be a problem for small businesses.  

5. How to choose the right brand

5.1 Assess your needs: Prioritise waterproofness 15,000–20,000 mm for humid climates; 100 g/m² PrimaLoft/Merino for colder regions.

5.2 Check certifications: Make sure they have ISO 9001, BSCI or OEKO-TEX (BOWINS, Patagonia meet these requirements).

5.3 Test samples: Evaluate tensile strength (27MPa) and puncture resistance (800lbs) to ensure durability.

5.4 Compare cost and delivery time: Premium ($200-$500) vs. Affordable ($60-$120); delivery time 20-45 days.

5.5 Prioritize sustainability: Choose 30-70% recycled materials (Patagonia, Icebreaker) in line with ESG goals.

6. Conclusion

The top 10 brands, led by BOWINS, Patagonia, and Arc’teryx, stand out for their quality, innovation, and sustainability in a $22.7 billion market. BOWINS offers customization and performance, while Patagonia leads in sustainable practices. By aligning needs with brand strengths, hikers and retailers can find gear that enhances every trip.

Contact BOWINS Garment for custom solutions or reach out to retailers like REI to enhance your hiking gear.